of
the bridegroom, accompanied by his nearest relations, carries the news to
the family of the bride. On entering, they prostrate themselves before
the little domestic altar, and offer to the idol of Buddha a boiled
sheep's head, milk, and a sash of white silk. Then they partake of a
repast provided by the parents of the bridegroom. During the repast, all
the relations of the bride receive a piece of money, which they deposit
in a vase filled with wine made of fermented milk. The father of the
bride drinks the wine, and keeps the money. This ceremony is called
Tahil-Tebihou, "striking the bargain."

The day indicated by the Lamas as auspicious for the marriage having
arrived, the bridegroom sends early in the morning a deputation to fetch
the girl who has been betrothed to him, or rather whom he has bought.
When the envoys draw near, the relations and friends of the bride place
themselves in a circle before the door, as if to oppose the departure of
the bride, and then begins a feigned fight, which of course terminates
with the bride being carried off. She is placed on a horse, and having
been thrice led round her paternal house, she is then taken at full
gallop to the tent which has been prepared for the purpose, near the
dwelling of her father-in-law. Meantime, all the Tartars of the
neighbourhood, the relations and friends of both families, repair to the
wedding-feast, and offer their presents to the new married pair. The
extent of these presents, which consist of beasts and eatables, is left
to the generosity of the guests. They are destined for the father of the
bridegroom and often fully indemnify him for his expenses in the purchase
of the bride. As the offered animals come up they are taken into folds
ready constructed for them. At the weddings of rich Tartars, these large
folds receive great herds of oxen, horses and sheep. Generally the
guests are generous enough, for they know that they will be paid in
return, upon a similar occasion.

When the bride has finished dressing, she is introduced to her
father-in-law; and while the assembled Lamas recite the prayers
prescribed by the ritual, she first prostrates herself before the image
of Buddha, then before the hearth, and lastly before the father, mother,
and other near relatives of the bridegroom, who, on his part, performs
the same ceremonies towards the family of his bride, assembled in an
adjacent tent. Then comes the wedding-feast, which some